HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0862.039 2008-2010 Page 1 of 2
Murashige, Laura =
From: Three Ring Ranch [animals @threeringranch.org] - -'?
Sent: Friday, July 16, 2010 6:10 PM
To: counciltestimony @ co.hawaii.hi.us
Cc: bford @co.hawaii.hi.us --"
Subject: Resolution 363 -10 - letter in favor
Aloha Honorable Chair Naeole- Beason and Councilmembers,
Please support Resolution 363 -10: Recommending that the DLNR disallow the collection of reef
fish for export from the Island of Hawaii.
There is a reason that the west shore of the Big Iland is called the Gold Coast and it is not due to
the myrid of hotels and resorts which draw visitors from around the world. It is because at one
time there were so many little yellow tangs that the reef looked to be a sea of shimmering gold.
The wild- caught aquarium fish trade involves between 20 and 24 million animals, 99 percent of
whom are wild- caught. The means by which these wild fish species are captured, held and
transported to consumers causes unacceptable levels of death of these animals. Up to 90% of all of
our Hawaiian reef fish do not survive the first 90 days of captivity according to some specialists in
the field.
Hawaii (and Florida) are the major U.S. exporters of aquarium reef animals: Aquarium fish
species have declined by 59% over the last 20 years in Hawaii due to over - collection.
Collection of animals from the wild for the pet trade is harmful to wild populations and our entire
ocean and reef ecosystem
Regulation of the aquarium collection industry has proven ineffective: disallowing the collection
of reef fish is the most effective way to protect these unique species and our fragile reefs. The Reef
fish collectors have long lobied for their rights and ability to self regulate. They have failed
miserably.
It is in the economic interests of Hawaii County to protect and preserve these species for eco-
tourism and viewing by tourists and residents alike. How many times do you think visitors will
return to our island to dive, snorkle and swim if the ocean is a wasteland?
Sincerely, Q
Ann Goody Comm. No,, / O [J� Z � •• 3 , /
Ref. To: 1 H EJ)c_
Ref. Dula. Ail_ R Q 2111.1:
7/19/2010
Page 2 of 2
hree King Kanch r__xotic Animal ` anctuarg
Kona, Hawaii
Ann Goody, Curator
www.threeringranch.org
7/19/2010